Going on a vacation is necessary to de-stress and calm a perturbed mind. Spending time on beaches enhances our exposure to the sunlight which is important for the well-being of our physical and mental health. Beach vacation allows one to unpack from the daily mundanity of life and break the patterns of lethargy. It encourages us to get moving, whether it’s walking on the beach, doing yoga or participating in water sports.
A beach vacation offers us plenty of time and opportunity to reflect and contemplate on our life and tune in with ourselves. It also strengthens our bonds with our loved ones and fosters harmony in our relationships. When it comes to beach vacations, one must know top beach spots in India that will render the perfect backdrop for your holidays.
Here are the top 10 beach destinations in India that are mostly located in its southern states and two islands on the east and west side.
List of Top 10 Beach Destinations in India
Table of Contents
- Goa
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Kerala
- Pondicherry
- Karnataka
- Odisha
- Lakshadweep Island
- Tamil Nadu
- Maharashtra
- West Bengal
1. Goa
We all know this beach destination—thanks to pop culture and the Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai (2001). When thinking of a beach vacation, planning a Goa tour has become second nature for most Indian tourists. Goa has everything one needs for a happy and joyful beach vacay. Sunkissed beaches to palm-fringed groves and from adventure sports to colourful beach shacks, Goa has it all.
Goa was a Portuguese colony up until 1961 and the colonial influence is quite visible in Goan food, architecture, and culture. Soon after independence, it gained popularity for its beautiful and pristine beaches in the 1970s and 1980s. Many foreign travelers in search of freedom and calm started visiting Goa and the rest is history. Today Goa is seen as an incredible place to spend beach holidays in India.
Plan your Goa trip between October to March to enjoy the most of your beach vacay. If the crowds of North Goan beaches bothers you, the southern beaches will welcome you with open arms.
Peaceful & Quiet Beaches in South Goa: Paloelem Beach, Mobor Beach, and Butterfly beach.
Beaches for Partying in North Goa: Baga Beach, Anjuna and Calangute beach.
2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie on the confluence of Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. It is an archipelago of 200 islands, out of which only 38 are inhabited. For the longest time, Andaman was known for its Kaalapani jail where political prisoners were held captive during the British Rule. Today, Kaalapani or the Cellular Jail is turned into a museum and historical site where you can learn about India’s colonial past.
Apart from history, the marine biodiversity, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are the highlights of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The mass tourism in Andaman and Nicobar islands is mostly centred around Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island. The star attraction of Andaman Islands is Radhanagar Beach. The gorgeous Radhangar Beach was ranked number 7 in TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best Beaches for 2023”. This automatically makes Radhanagar Beach the best beach in India.
Plan your Andaman trip and indulge in snorkelling at Elephant beach. Test your endurance while trekking and watch gorgeous birds at Chidiya Tapu beach. You can enjoy your stay at a swanky resort or a homestay, since plenty of accommodation options are available in Andaman & Nicobar Island.
Beaches in Andaman For Water Sports: Corbyn’s Cove, North Bay Beach, Bharapur Beach, Elephant Beach
Beaches in Andaman For Rest & Relaxation: Kalapathar Beach, Sitapur Beach, Radhangar Beach
3. Kerala
Kerala is a southern Indian state that lies on the Malabar coast. A long stretch of coastline adorns the topography of Kerala. This state is known for its Ayurvedic retreats, calming backwaters, spice plantations and spick and span beaches. The rich culture, heritage, and delicious cuisine of Kerala also attracts many local and international tourists.
Kerala has earned many recognitions from famous international outlets for being the best place to visit in India. The prestigious Time Magazine recognised Kerala in the list of World’s Greatest Places 2022. This state always raises the bars with its tourism efforts and promotion and offers a conducive travel environment. In 2024, Kerala won the PATA Gold Award for its online content “Holiday Heist”.
Speaking of beaches, there are many beautiful beaches in Kerala that make it a worthwhile beach destination. These beaches are ideal for rest, watching a sunset, or watersports. Visit Kovalam beach, Marari Beach, Cherai Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Alppazuha beach for a rewarding vacation.
4. Puducherry
Travel to the South of India and you will find the union territory of Puducherry sharing borders with Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is an incredible beach destination of India that often gets overlooked by the usual tourists. Whether you want to lounge on a hammock, enjoy solitude or savour the party vibes, the beaches of Puducherry will surely attract you.
The beaches of Puducherry are perfect for doing yoga or simply taking a walk with your toes in the sand. If you are vacationing with family, plenty of water sports like surfing and jet skiing will keep your loved ones occupied.
Beaches for sunbathing, relaxation and yoga: Promenade Beach, Serenity Beach, Quiet Beach, and Reppo Beach.
Beaches for water sports: Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, and Karaikal Beach
5. Karnataka
You will be left mesmerised by the beautiful Western Ghats, dense forests, and beautiful beaches of Karnataka. The coastline of Karnataka is one of the longest in India and stretches up to approximately 320 kilometers. This coastal state boasts more than 90 beaches. Karnataka’s Udupi, Mangalore and Gokarna are the main regions for beach holidays.
Spend time in Gokarna if you want to enjoy an idyllic beach vacation watching a sunset and relishing food from nearby shacks. Beaches in Mangalore are perfect for indulging in exhilarating water sports with your friends and family. Finally, the beaches of Udupi are suitable for those who want to try fishing and enjoy solitude.
Beaches for relaxed and laid back vacation: Paradise Beach, Gokarna Beach, Om Beach and Malpe Beach.
Beaches for Water Sports: Ullal Beach, Mangalore beach, and Someshwar Beach.
6. Odisha
Odisha is a culturally rich and beautiful state in the eastern part of India. It is well-known for its centuries-old temples, historic caves, tribal cultures, and stunning beaches. Besides, lush forests, rivers, and lakes are also a part of its copious natural splendour.
Due to the presence of important temples and religious shrines, Odhisa is often seen as a pilgrimage site. However, many don’t realise that it is also an incredible spot for enjoying beach vacation. If you are a beach lover, Odisha has pristine and untouched beaches waiting to be explored. The top five beaches in Odisha are Puri Beach, Gopalpur Beach, Konark Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, and Swargadwar Sea Beach. These beaches are suitable for watching a sunset, taking a long walk on the sand, and enjoying water sports.
Beaches for Water Sports: Chandrabhaga Beach and Ramchandi Beach.
Beaches for Rest and Relaxation: Puri Beach, Beleswar Beach, and Astaranga Beach.
7. Lakshadweep Islands
Approximately 280 km to 480 km off the Kerala coast, lies a bunch of beautiful coral islands collectively known as Lakshadweep. Surrounded by the cerulean waters of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep island boasts lagoons, palm fringed beaches, and abundance of flora and fauna.
Lakshadweep which means ‘a hundred thousand islands’ is far from the rushed touristy beach location. Here the slow pace of life, coastal breeze, and abundant sunshine engulfs you in its embrace. The peace and solitary bliss one can experience here is unparalleled. Lakshadweep is a fantastic beach destination in India for honeymoon couples as well as those seeking a laid back vacation.
The white-sand beaches of Lakshadweep are unspoiled by the mainstream tourists crowds. The beaches are fresh, clean, and well-maintained. Those in search of adventure will be happy to know that prominent water sports like glass bottom boats, scuba diving and swimming are also available in Lakshadweep.
The top beaches in Lakshadweep are:Kavaratti Beach, Agatti Beach, Minicoy Beach, Kalpeni Beach, and Kiltan Beach. If you want to visit the bioluminescence beach in Lakshadweep, visit Bangaram beach to experience the natural phenomenon.
8. Tamil Nadu
In the east coast of India lies the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The state is blessed with a sprawling coastline making some of the most beautiful beaches in India. Beaches in Tamil Nadu are diverse and suitable for laid back vacation, boating as well as adventure sports and offbeat explorations. Take a camera along with you to catch amazing and serene sunrises and sunsets painting the sky in yellow and orange.
Whether it’s a family outing or spending romantic time with significant others, the beaches of Tamil Nadu always pull in tourists in large numbers. Satisfy your wanderlust by visiting the best beaches of Tamil Nadu and make memories of a lifetime. The top beaches in Tamil Nadu are Kanayakumari beach, Marina beach, Mahabalipuram beach, Kunthukal beach, Covelong beach, and Dhanushkodi beach.
9. Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Tarkali is a small village in the Malvan region of Maharashtra. This village is a beautiful beach destination in India that captivates the hearts and minds of its visitors. The highlight of the village is Tarkarli beach that lies on the convergence point of Karli River and the Arabian Sea. Spend your time on this beach lounging around or try your hand at water sports. The natural beauty surrounding the beach adds a layer of charm and allure to this attraction.
If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins and turtles around the beach. Thrill-chasers can participate in water activities like snorkelling, white water rafting, and parasailing. Please note that the currents are quite strong in Tarkalri beach so exercise caution while swimming or doing water activities. If you are wondering what’s the best time to visit Tarkarli beach, it is from October to February.
10. Digha, West Bengal
Don’t let the cityscapes of West Bengal fool you that it is just an urban metropolis. This state also has some unique beaches to flaunt. West Bengal is primarily known for its hill stations, tea estates, and delicious sea food. But what most people forget is that the state also has beach towns with sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and soothing coastal breeze.
If there is only one beach town you could visit in West Bengal, it has to be Digha town. This town is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The widespread sands, refreshing waters, and a clear blue sky of Digha will take your worries away. Spend time with your kids making sand castles or stroll on the beach, enjoying the serenity and calm of Nature.
If you want to enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, head to the New Digha beach which is the hub of water activities. Some other notable beaches in West Bengal: Shankarpur Beach, Talsari Beach, Bakkhali Beach.
This brings us to the end of the list of top 10 beach destinations in India. Add some of these destinations in your India travel itinerary and explore the coastal beauty of this country. Whether you want the adrenaline pumping water activities or simply want to sit in the shade and read a book with your favourite drink in your hand, the beaches in India have you covered. Once you know what kind of beach experience you want, the beaches of India will both impress and delight you!